Life Cycle Assessment of Biodiesel Production from Palm Oil in Indonesia

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Publication Details

Author list: Soraya, D.F.;Gheewala, S.H.;Bonnet, S.;Tongurai, C.

Publication year: 2014

Journal: Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environment (1906-4918)

Volume number: 5

Issue number: 1

Start page: 27

End page: 32

ISSN: 1906-4918

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the environmental impacts of biodiesel production from palm oil in Indonesia using life cycle assessment methodology. The functional unit of this study is 1 ton biodiesel. The main contributor to the global warming potential is the use of fertilizers and herbicides in the plantation stage contributing 58%. Co-products from palm oil process can be used for energy in the mill. Electricity also gives high environmental impact since it is purchased from the electricity grid mix which relies mostly on coal fired power plants. The biodiesel production stage was the main contributor for photochemical oxidation impact. Transportation also has a significant contribution to the environmental impacts.

Keywords

Biodiesel, palm oil, environmental impact, life cycle, Indonesia